A Manual for the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Interview

The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) has become one of the most widely used outcome instruments to assess global disability and recovery after traumatic brain injury. Achieving consistency in the application of the assessment remains a challenge, particularly in multi-center studies involving many assessors. We present a manual for the GOSE interview that is designed to support both single- and multi-center studies and promote inter-rater agreement. Many patients fall clearly into a particular category; however, patients may have outcomes that are on the borderline between adjacent categories, and cases can present other challenges for assessment. The Manual includes the general principles of assessment, advice on administering each section of the GOSE interview, and guidance on borderline and difficult cases. Finally, we discuss the properties of the GOSE, including strengths and limitations, and outline recommendations for assessor training, accreditation, and monitoring.

Automated summary

The Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) is widely used for assessing global disability and recovery after traumatic brain injury, but achieving consistency in its application is challenging. The manual provides guidance on assessment principles, administering the interview, handling borderline cases, and discussing the properties of GOSE. Recommendations for assessor training, accreditation, and monitoring are also outlined.